WIP jocks exit when The Fanatic team shows up

The Philadelphia Daily News sources tell the paper that last Friday’s abrupt exit of CBS Radio’s SportsRadio WIP’s Anthony Gargano and Rob Ellis at Chickie’s & Pete’s in South Philly was not due to “technical difficulties,” but a decision from above—possibly OM Andy Bloom: “Multiple sources confirmed to me that operations manager Andy Bloom was not happy when he found out that personalities from rival media conglomerate Greater Media, including WMMR’s Matt Cord and, more interestingly, 97.5 The Fanatic’s Jon Marks, were at the noted South Philly eatery’s main bar area doing promotional appearances for a $1,000 MetroPCS giveaway. Gargano and Ellis broadcast from Play2, a separate area of the restaurant…The hullabaloo did not start until Marks showed up about 3:30 p.m., according to sources. At that point, Chickie’s & Pete’s reps tried to get the promotion moved from the VIP area to the back of the space to appease WIP bigwigs, but Greater Media refused. WIP packed up and went back to the station, forcing someone from WIP to get on the air until Ellis and Gargano could make it back to Old City.”

Neither Gargano nor Ellis would comment, but sources told the paper that it was not their decision and that they were not particularly happy when they were told to pack up midshow.

A spokesman for WIP told the paper’s Molly Eichel that “ISDN-line issues sent the guys back to the studio.”

RBR-TVBR observation: The rivalry between these stations is no mystery and the management of Chickie’s & Pete’s should have known not to create this monster mix at their establishment. WIP is pretty well entwined with the establishment—“Chickie’s and Pete’s Players Lounge with LeSean McCoy” also airs on the station, as does the Howie Roseman Show. We think WIP had a right to be pissed, but doubt they will be tearing up any contracts over this. It would be a lose-lose.

Carl has been with RBR-TVBR since 1997 and is currently Managing Director/Senior Editor. Residing in Northern Virginia, he covers the business of broadcasting, advertising, programming, new media and engineering. He’s also done a great deal of interviews for the company and handles our ever-growing stable of bylined columnists.